Darjeeling and Himalaya Railway - another landslide.

Sad news from the Darjeeling and Himalaya Railway that another landslide has occured just as the repairs are being completed on the section that has prevented trains using the New Jalpaiguri to Kurseong section for a couple of years. The new slip has happened right by the workshops at Tindharia and the rear wall of the workshops has disappeared into the valley below leaving only a few yards between the cliff edge and the works themselves. Although this is a World Heritage site, Indian Railways are notoriously slow in repairing damage on this line - not surprising given the terrain - and the full line has rarely been open in recent years due to damage in the monsoon season. The damage i unlikely to affect services on the Darjeeling to Kurseong section including the steam hauled 'Joy Train' although long term the locos will need the services of Tindharia works. Recently one loco has been overhauled by Kurseong shed staff

Pictures available on the DHR website - July 2012 by Yuvrai Sundas

 

These natural disasters may be a permanent feature of life, due to deforestation? It is a matter of concern as to how much tourism on the line will be affected by lengthy truncations such as this, combined with political unrest in the area. Worrying to anyone who has fond memories of this unique line.

 

A landslide is rapidly destroying a World Heritage site in India - The Landslide Blog - AGU Blogosphere